Longshots: News, notes from 49ers’ local pro day

More than 60 NFL hopefuls -- of varying skill levels -- worked out for 49ers coaches and scouts on Friday at the team's local pro day. One of the players who stood out: Brown linebacker Xavier Russo, who went to St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco before heading east for college.

Russo played inside linebacker at Brown, leading the Bears in tackles and sacks last season. But he is 6-5, 257 pounds, a size that, at least when it comes to the 49ers, seems to suggest an outside linebacker more than an inside linebacker. For example, both Ahmad Brooks and Dan Skuta were inside linebackers before arriving in San Francisco. Russo looked athletic and moved very well on Friday.

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Sacramento State wide receiver DeAndre Carter was one of several prospects who took part in the Raiders pro day on Thursday and the 49ers' session Friday. Carter, who had 99 catches, 1,321 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Hornets last season, said interest from teams has picked up in recent weeks and that he would visit the Patriots Monday. He's also had a workout with the Cardinals.

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"I'd say I was a little bit off the radar and then I had a pretty good pro day," said Carter, who stood at 5-8 and weighed 190 pounds on Friday. "Some teams are starting to call. ... You put the athletic numbers with the (game) film and people are starting to get interested."

He was not asked to do any special teams work in Alameda or Santa Clara. What is Carter expecting as far as the draft? "Anywhere from a sixth, seventh rounder to a priority free agent," he said. "For me, I'm just hoping for an opportunity to play in the league. It's been my dream since I was a little kid. If anyone wants to give me an opportunity to play the game I love, I'd be more than willing to do that."

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San Jose State defensive lineman Travis Raciti, who played at 300 pounds last season, is down to 288 pounds and looked noticeably slimmer and quicker on Friday. Raciti wants to show teams that he can play on the inside of the line and also be a five-technique player in a 3-4 defensive front. Raciti has upcoming visits with the Eagles and Washington.

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As usual, most of the bigger-named prospects, including just about every Stanford player, did not take part in the 40-yard runs or the other drills. It's likely that their times would have dropped significantly. The 49ers recently installed a new artificial turf field at their practice facility and it's squishy and not conducive for speed.

The Stanford contingent did take part in the team drills. That included wide receiver Ty Montgomery, who stands out because of his muscular frame. Montgomery weighed in at 221 pounds in February but had dropped to 211 for Stanford's pro day last month. He seemed closer to the 211 weight on Friday as he made a few nice receptions but also had a drop.

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Friday was the first time Jim Tomsula's coaching staff was in action on the field. Offensive coordinator Geep Chryst and quarterbacks coach Steve Logan spent time with the passers, a group that included San Diego State's Quinn Kaehler and Florida A&M's Austin Trainor. Assistant Aubrayo Franklin, who played nose tackle with the 49ers for four years, had his eye on the defensive linemen.

The team's scouting staff also was on hand. National scout Justin Chabot ran the 40-yard-dash and other drills. Newly re-hired senior personnel executive Tom Gamble also was on hand. Cornerback Chris Cook and outside linebacker Aaron Lynch watched the would-be rookies

About This Blog

Matt Barrows was born in Blacksburg, Va., and attended the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1995, went to Northwestern for a journalism degree a year later, and got his first job at a South Carolina daily in 1997. He joined The Sacramento Bee as a Metro reporter in 1999 and started covering the San Francisco 49ers in 2003. His favorite player of all time is Darrell Green. Reach Barrows at mbarrows@sacbee.com.
Twitter: @mattbarrows